Epidural Lipomatosis: A Complication of Corticosteroid Therapy

Excerpt

The characteristic change in body habitus associated with prolonged exposure to exogenous or endogenous corticosteroids is increased fat deposits in the face, neck, and trunk. The basis for this alteration in fat distribution is not clear. In addition, a number of patients have developed fat deposits in the mediastinum and in epicardial (1-3), episternal (4), and presacral areas (5) while taking exogenous steroids. One patient with spontaneous Cushing's syndrome had mediastinal lipomatosis (3). We were unable to find a report of epidural fat deposits associated with corticosteroids. We present here a case that suggests high-dose corticosteroids may precipitate a serious